AU Study Abroad Summer Geology Program 2003
Geology Field Experience in Italy
2003 Summer term III (specific dates - July 19-31)
Undergraduate credit - GEOL 4930 and 4980 (total of 5 semester hours)
Graduate credit - GEOL 7930B(3 or 5 semester hours)
Nature of the program: This summer course, which will be appropriate for the adventurous, eclectic, field science-oriented student (including geology majors, other science majors, and non-science students), requires only that the student have the equivalent of a basic introductory geology course (i.e., GEOL 1100) or the consent of instructor. To obtain consent of instructor, student must meet with the instructor to discuss his background and objectives in taking the class and accept some potential reading assignment(s) prior to onset of the class.
The class is a field-oriented course that emphasizes how geologists study and interpret Earth history using simple field and laboratory techniques. Lectures are combined with extensive field excursions to address this topic. Students are expected to take lecture and field notes and participate in group discussion and research activities. Student will receive introduction to the geology of the Apennine Mountains of Italy and basic field methods at the outset of the class.
Students should come away from the program with a strong background in how field research is carried out and the kinds of observations that field geologists make and how they think through geological problems. Students will gain experience in understanding the evidence used in interpreting Earth history, ancient environments and climates, mass extinctions of life on Earth and the effects of extraterrestrial impact on Earth, and the structure and origin of folded mountain ranges.
Students will live and work at the Coldigioco Geological Observatory, a research and teaching facility formed in the tiny town of Coldigioco (hill of games), which was built ~ 400 years ago. The Observatory has now taken over all 10 buildings of the town. Travel to the nearby countryside of the Umbria-Marche region of Italy will take students to medieval towns such as Gubbio and Assisi. We may also travel to the Italian Adriatic coast, where geologic strata and structures are well displayed along the sea shore. Our host and co-leader is Dr. Alessandro Montanari, director of the Observatory.
Sites to be visited: Apennine Mtns. (stratigraphy and structure), earthquake damage at Assisi, KT boundary at Gubbio, impact craters of Abruzzo, caverns at Frasassi, Gran Sasso laboratory, etc.
Costs and requirements: All students must pay fees to Auburn University and be registered as a student or transient student (see preliminary budget below). We will help non-AU students do this. All students must be in good health, have appropriate vaccinations (see your doctor), have a valid passport with expiration date at least 6 months past July 31, 2003, have a student visa for Italy (the Study Abroad office will obtain these), and have student travel insurance (also through Study Abroad). We will ask you to sign a medical power of attorney and other pertinent documents related to risk of travel. Students are advised to adhere to our distributed guidelines about behavior, dress, etc. Participants are requested to meet at the Ancona, Italy, airport (not Rome) on the afternoon or early evening of July 19, 2003. Other arrangements can be discussed in advance. Please come to 115 Petrie Hall to obtain a packet of information on the trip.
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For more information contact:
David T. King, Jr., Geology program at Auburn (210 Petrie Hall), 334 844-4882; kingdat@auburn.edu; or www.auburn.edu/~kingdat
Kelly Moon, AU Study Abroad Office (201 Hargis Hall), 334 844-5766; moonkel@auburn.edu; or http://www.auburn.edu/academic/other/international_education/studyabroad/home.htm
PREMINARY BUDGET SUBJECT TO CHANGE
We hope costs will go down prior to departure.
COST PER IN-STATE STUDENT
Prorated fees for Program Costs above (assuming 15 students) . .. . $ 928.25
Daily expense ($100/day x 12 days) . . . .. .... 1,200.00
Dinners ($10/day x 12 days) ... ... .. 120.00
AU Registration . .. . . 315.00
Student Visa and insurance (required) .. . 100.00
Airfare (estimate) .... 1,000.00
T O T A L ... ... $3,663.25
COST PER OUT-OF-STATE STUDENT
Prorated fees for Program Costs above (assuming 15 students) . .. .... . $ 928.25
Daily expense ($100/day x 12 days) . . . . ..... 1,200.00
Dinners ($10/day x 12 days) . .... .. 120.00
AU Registration . . . . 945.00
Student Visa and insurance (required) . 100.00
Airfare (estimate) . . 1,000.00
T O T A L . $4,293.25